Community Engagement Officer, Philip Wilson said: “We are excited to have finished the first phase of the project, with the Laundry building already being utilised by community members. The second phase will involve the growing of the allotment and gardens, which I think will really demonstrate what this project is all about.
“These outdoor spaces will belong to the Duffryn community and will be managed by volunteers who are keen to develop their gardening skills and have a passion for being outdoors. All the food grown by the team will be used in food preparation courses taking place in the new kitchen or taken home to be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.
“The allotment and gardens have been designed to be as inclusive as possible, with raised bedding for wheelchair users, a tactile sensory garden suitable for those living with memory or developmental disorders and a garden of tranquillity to encourage periods of reflection and relaxation.”
During her opening speech National Trust Director General Hilary McGrady said: “This project is what the National Trust is all about. It didn’t start with conservation or the building, it started with people and what the people of this area wanted from this wonderful space and making everyone welcome.
“The benefit the Trust is here to deliver is being lived out with this project; the bringing together of people within a hugely important place.
“I want to say thank you to everyone who has been involved in supporting this project, a huge thank you to our funding partners and finally to those who have given their time to make this ambition a reality.”